Role & Responsibilities
Improve the overall health situation of the target population(s). This involves implementing quality health services and contributing to the achievement of proposal objectives within the planned timescale and budget, for the areas of responsibility within the health project. Important parts of the role include building the capacity of the local health team by providing appropriate and relevant supervision, training and technical support; contributing to monitoring and reporting on project progress; and liaising with community leaders and health officials as requested.
Project Overview
In November 2020, military confrontations and conflicts erupted in Ethiopia’s Tigray region and have resulted in a large influx of Ethiopian refugees into eastern Sudan. As of January 2021, UNHCR has registered over 55,000 refugees in Kassala, Gedaref and Blue Nile states of Sudan since the start of the crisis. The Refugee Consultation Forum (RCF) has launched an Inter-Agency Emergency Refugee Response Plan to respond to the refugee influx with an US$147 million appeal to meet the urgent needs of the new refugees.
The agencies involved are working on a likely scenario for the arrival of 100,000 refugees in Sudan within the next six months and a worst-case scenario planning for 200,000 refugees. In early 2021, Medair conducted needs assessments in Tunaidba camp and found that the current gaps lie primarily in community health. As an initial program start-up, Medair will implement a multisectoral behavior change communication (BCC) program focusing on health and hygiene messaging, malnutrition screenings, outbreak disease surveillance, psychosocial support, and vital event monitoring. Additionally, beneficiaries will be signposted to existing services within the camp being provided by other partners.
Workplace & Conditions
Field based position in Gadaref State, Sudan.
Starting Date / Initial Contract Details
May 2021. Full time, 6 months with the possibility of extension.
Key Activity Areas
Health Management
- Be responsible for the implementation, management, supervision and support of health project(s) in line with the activity plan and time frame of the relevant project proposal and any applicable national and international guidelines and standards.
- Ensure that regular monitoring and evaluation assessments are conducted both against project objectives and to ensure the quality of the programme, with reports being made to the relevant field managers.
- Provide input into the integration of beneficiary participation and accountability in all aspects of the project
- Oversee the process of data collection, collation and dissemination to meet the requirements and deadlines set by Medair and/or external partners.
- Ensure accurate and timely reporting of activities for internal and external reports (e.g. monthly, quarterly and final reports) as requested by field managers, GSO and donors.
- Input into the development of the country strategy, new projects and/or donor proposals.
Staff Management
- Manage and oversee the assigned health team including recruitment, day-to-day management, development and training, appraisals, etc. This team includes community health workers, health and hygiene promoters.
- Facilitate regular team meetings with the assigned health team, reviewing team and individual objectives, ensuring team members are kept informed of issues relevant to their work and opportunity for feedback.
- Ensure the assigned health team members receive relevant and appropriate supervision, coaching, mentoring and training in order to develop their personal and professional skills, knowledge and understanding.
- Promote the health and security of the health team by ensuring the application of security guidelines, health and safety in the workplace and healthy living conditions and practices.
Financial Management
- Work with the field managers to plan, construct and manage health budgets for the assigned health project(s).
- Coordinate and oversee petty cash requirements of the assigned health team, ensuring all required paperwork is completed accurately and in a timely manner.
Communication and Coordination
- Develop and maintain appropriate, regular, transparent and supportive communication structures with the assigned health team, Medair in-country health managers and advisors and other relevant stakeholders (e.g. beneficiaries, community leaders, local and national government officials, UN agencies and other NGOs).
- Represent Medair at local level coordination meetings involving local authorities, UN agencies and other NGOs.
Logistics
- Manage the correct and timely ordering (within budgetary constraints) of all necessary medicines, supplies and equipment for the assigned health facilities and activities, ensuring minimum stocks are maintained and items are stored and distributed correctly.
Quality Management
- Promote and use the Medair intranet and other operating procedures, ensuring that all standardised formats are used and guidelines are followed.
- Implement, within operational constraints, relevant policies and standards relating to health service delivery including Sphere and HAP standards, Ministry of Health and donor guidelines and other good practice.
- Participate in internal workshops and learning sessions to keep up with new guidelines and best practices.
Team Spiritual Life
- Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, and external contacts.
- Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith-based team settings. Fully contribute to the rich spiritual life of your team, including team devotions, prayers, and words of encouragement.
- Encouraged to join and contribute to Medair’s international prayer network.
This job description covers the main tasks that are anticipated. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary.
Qualifications
- Clinical degree (nurse or doctor), or Public Health degree. Certificate / diploma in Public Health or Tropical Medicine desirable.
- Good English (spoken and written). Ability to speak, or willingness to learn, local (Arabic, Tigrayan) language(s).
Experience / Competencies
- 3 years’ post-qualification nursing / medical professional experience.
- 5 years’ Management experience in a health context.
- Experience working in a health programme in a developing country, preferably in a humanitarian context.
- Education/training/experience in humanitarian work desirable.
- Able to develop and maintain effective relationships with colleagues, beneficiaries, other agencies and local authorities. Ability and willingness to manage project implementation. Good report writing skills.